Ever feel like life is moving at lightning speed, and you’re just trying to keep up? You’re not alone! But here’s the good news—creating strong habits and routines can help you take control, reduce stress, and build a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling. The secret isn’t in doing more but in doing the right things consistently. Let’s dive into how small, intentional actions can lead to big transformations.
Why Habits and Routines Matter
We all have habits—some serve us well, while others… not so much. The key is to be intentional about our habits so that they support our goals and the life we want to create. Routines remove decision fatigue, making it easier to show up as our best selves every day. Instead of relying on motivation (which can be unpredictable), habits provide structure and consistency.
Designing a Routine That Works for You
Not all routines are created equal, and that’s the beauty of it! Your routine should reflect your priorities, values, and lifestyle. Here’s how to create one that works for you:
1. Start with Your Non-Negotiables
What are the things that truly matter to you? Family time, exercise, personal development, work, or creative pursuits? Identify your non-negotiables and build your routine around them. Prioritizing these elements ensures that your day is filled with activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and progress toward your long-term goals.
It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life, but when your schedule reflects what truly matters to you, you’ll feel more in control and aligned with your purpose.
2. Stack Your Habits
One of the best ways to make new habits stick is by attaching them to existing ones. Want to drink more water? Take a sip every time you check your email. Want to move more? Do 10 squats while your coffee brews.
Small, consistent actions add up! This technique, known as habit stacking, leverages your brain’s existing patterns, making it easier to incorporate new behaviors without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, these small actions compound into big results, helping you create a seamless and efficient daily routine.
3. Create a Morning & Evening Routine
Mornings set the tone for the day, and evenings help you wind down and reset. A solid morning routine might include movement, gratitude, and planning the day ahead. In the evening, unplug from screens, reflect on wins, and prepare for the next day.
Mornings have always been a defining part of our day. They set the tone for everything that follows. Yet, for many of us, mornings are a struggle. We default to hitting snooze, yearning for a few extra minutes of comfort.
But what if I told you that hitting snooze is not a solution? It’s time to reconsider our approach to mornings and how simple adjustments can lead to significant changes in our lives. Let’s embark on this journey to transform our mornings.
Why Snooze Sleep Doesn’t Help
First up, let’s bust a myth. Many believe that hitting snooze gets you more sleep. That’s simply not true. Snooze sleep is what I call ‘bad sleep.’ Trust me on this. You’re not doing yourself any favors by clinging to those extra minutes.
Did you know that not hitting the snooze button can be your first victory of the day? Yep, it’s true—win the morning, win the day! It’s all about creating a routine that fosters these little victories, setting you up for a triumphant day.
The reality is, snooze sleep is not good sleep.
- Non-restorative: The sleep you get when you hit snooze isn’t deep enough to be restorative. It’s a fragmented sleep that can make you feel groggier.
- Confusing Alarm Cycles: Snoozing confuses your body’s sleep cycles, tricking it into thinking it’s going back to sleep only to be interrupted again.
- Negative Sleep Quality: Instead of waking up refreshed, you’re setting yourself up for a day where your focus is compromised and your mood is less than optimal.
The Power of Changing Your Alarm
Here’s a game-changing tip: just adjust your alarm. I know, revolutionary! Instead of setting it for the idealistic time you want to get up, try setting it for when you realistically will. It’s all about aligning your evenings with your mornings, making it easier for you to get that solid rest you deserve.
- Set Realistic Times: Align your alarm with the time you’ve realistically been waking up. This eliminates the temptation of hitting snooze.
- Plan Your Evening: Prepare the night before. Limit screen time to ensure you’re genuinely tired at a sensible time. Your morning success starts the night before.
Steps to Help Yourself Get Better Sleep
Speaking of evenings, let’s talk about the night before. We often forget to set ourselves up for success—staying up too late on our phones or binge-watching TV. Sound familiar? It happens, but it doesn’t have to. A good night’s prep makes a huge difference in how you wake up.
- Maintain a Consistent Bedtime: Aim for the same sleep schedule, even on weekends, to regulate your internal clock.
- Create a Nighttime Routine: Establish calming pre-sleep rituals like reading, meditating, or gentle yoga.
- Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Keep your room cool, use blackout curtains, and mitigate any disruptive noises.
And finally, remember to be kind to yourself. Adjusting your alarm, cutting back on late night scrolling, these aren’t just about discipline, they’re acts of self-care. Be gentle with yourself as you make these changes. We’re aiming for progress, not perfection.
Shop My Nightly Routine Favorites
The Morning Win: Setting the Tone for Your Day
Not hitting snooze is a win, and that single action can propel you into a more productive day. Here’s how winning your morning can translate into winning your day:
- Improved Productivity: With the clarity that comes from restful sleep, you’ll tackle tasks more effectively.
- Elevated Mood: Starting your day with intent can improve your emotional well-being.
- Enhanced Focus: Your enhanced alertness allows for better decision-making and creativity.
☀️ Mornings feel different when you start with intention. For me, it’s this simple morning cocktail I mix up every single morning.
A small, no-brainer habit that sets the tone for my day and makes me feel:
✨ Energized.
✨ Focused.
✨ On purpose.
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to overhaul your entire life to feel better.
And you don’t have to go through life – ESPECIALLY MIDLIFE – feeling like junk.
Feeling “just okay” is not okay, not when feeling great is an option. And feeling great isn’t exclusive to women in their 20’s you can be in your 50’s and feel amazing too}
Sometimes it’s as simple as a 30-second ritual that wakes you up, fuels your goals, and says, “I’m showing up for ME today.”
Shop My Morning Routine Favorites!
Celebrate the Changes: Acknowledge Your Progress
Finally, as you embark on this journey, remember to honor your efforts:
- Track Your Progress: Keep a journal detailing your wake-up times and how you feel each morning.
- Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and reward yourself for the small changes and improvements you make over time.
- Stay Inspired: Surround yourself with motivational content and communities that reinforce your new habits.
Overcoming Challenges
Let’s be real—life happens. You’ll have days when your routine gets thrown off, and that’s okay. The key is not perfection but consistency. If you miss a day, pick it back up tomorrow. Give yourself grace and focus on progress over perfection.
Making It Stick
To truly make habits and routines a part of your life, celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Acknowledge the progress you’re making, and remind yourself why you started. The more you show up, the easier it becomes!
Final Thoughts
Your habits and routines are the foundation of the life you’re building. By making small, intentional shifts, you’ll create momentum toward the life you love. Start today—because your future self is counting on you!
Join The Project100 Method
You can achieve the lifestyle and dream big life you desire with small, intentional daily actions faster than you believe possible and actually ENJOY the process.
